Tag Archives: bicycles

August 10, 2013, Washington, DC: I am a saner person on a bicycle. There are strong arguments to be made for bicycling as a money saver, a time saver and a healthy choice, but the bottom line is that my blood boils less when I’m biking rather than driving and I actually enjoy getting from Point A to Point B. This summer more than ever before, it’s apparent there are a lot of us out there.

“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.”
-Ernest Hemingway

January 29, 2012, Washington, DC: Traveling by bicycle affords me the opportunity to see places I’d never see in the car or on foot. The allure of the bicycle comes not only from the pace of the exercise and the access to fresh air, but from the observations about this cityscape I collect along the way. Mustering up the motivation to go for a run sometimes requires a pep talk, but a trip by bicycle requires no such coaxing. On a bicycle cruising west down C Street into another part of town, I don’t need to force myself to enjoy the experience as it is happening. On two wheels, I live fully in the present moment, in part because riding a bicycle requires strict attention to detail. It is the optimal mode of transport for the observer within.

November 30, 2011, Washington, DC: This morning marks a milestone: My 100th blog post. Not only have I made it this far, but the list of ideas for future posts is longer than ever. Funny what happens when you dip a toe in the water.

What have I learned through the course of 100 posts? Have there been many surprises? Unexpected challenges or observations? Several of you have asked. Read on for lessons and reflections 100 posts in. (Then come back for blog post 101.)

“It binds us and forms our lives in ways that we do not entirely understand, and yet we are unconciously dependent upon. The places you love will do that to you.”
-David Halberstam

November 27, 2011, Southport, CT: Today we biked up Harbor Road and down Sasco Hill, heading for sand and a glimpse of Southport from the far side of the harbor. Sailors were still on the water and a kayaker paddled off Sasco Beach. From the narrow point of land where the Mill River empties into Long Island Sound, the view was crystal clear, as was the understanding that this place is a vacation. It’s a vacation with a far more personal touch.

More photos from Sasco Beach and our free day in Southport after the jump…

September 20, 2011, Washington, DC: Do you hear that? The sound of bicycle pedals revolving? A revolution is indeed underway. It’s getting cooler and cooler to walk around town with a helmet strapped to your purse.

Of all places, I’m proud to say that Washington, so often seen as behind the eight ball, is in part to credit for this growing movement. There’s a shift happening here. Positive urban change is in the works. And to celebrate, I’m going to a birthday party Thursday for a new and very dear friend. Happy birthday (officially today!) dear Bikeshare and congratulations on marking your 1st birthday with your one millionth ride!